Things You'll Need:
- Money
- The internet to do research
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Step 1
Think about how often you will be using your camping gear. If you will be camping twice a year, you probably don't want to make an investment in elaborate equipment with lots of bells and whistle. If you will be camping regularly throughout the year, you will likely want to purchase gear that will be useful in all seasons.
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Step 2
Decide what camping gear you need to buy. Make a list of items and set a budget for your purchases. Include each item's "must have" features in your list to stay focused on items that will meet your needs.
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Step 3
Realize that some items need to be replaced regularly. Spend less on items that wear out quickly or have significant technological advances each year.
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Step 4
Research each item. Go to www.backpacker.com to see their picks for the best gear available. Go to local sporting goods stores and talk to their experts about gear that is available that meets your needs. Look for consumer reviews of each product - how well did the product hold up for the consumer? Did the consumer feel the product was a good value? These resources will help you make informed evaluations of the products.
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Step 5
Evaluate product warranties and company longevity. Look for long-term warranties on expensive items you plan to keep for many years and read the warranty fine print.
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Step 6
Make your purchase decisions. Decide what items you will purchase and where to make your purchases. If you are planning to buy your gear online because of discounted pricing, whenever possible, view each item at a local store prior to buying it online.
